In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have developed a bacterial platform capable of producing aromatic esters from glycerol with unprecedented efficiency. These esters are crucial compounds used in flavors, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The key to this achievement was the strategic redesign of enzyme architecture to enhance substrate specificity. Researchers reshaped protein channels, boosting catalytic efficiency and minimizing side reactions. This led to a production titer of benzyl benzoate reaching an extraordinary 10.4 grams per liter, a 4,700-fold increase over the baseline strain.
This biomanufacturing system leverages glycerol, an abundant byproduct of biodiesel production, amplifying the sustainability of the process. The research opens avenues for tailoring microbial factories to produce a broad spectrum of aromatic esters. This innovation promises a greener, more sustainable future for chemical manufacturing.